ABSTRACT
This introduction presents the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. Polity, economy and international relations marks a culminating point for the consortium of European and Indian scholars, who had the opportunity to meet and get to know each other over a period of two years. The consortium was established with the aim of examining and highlighting India's role as a key actor in today's world, taking into consideration a number of aspects, including its social, cultural, historical, economic, and political background, as well as current developments. Despite the diverse theories and visions of international order, some contradictory, there are elements that are characteristic of India's international strategy. India's role, position and international strategy after the end of the Cold War were characterised by both change and continuity. This strategy is also connected to India's superpower aspirations, and the primary goal of New Delhi has been to get global actors to acknowledge these ambitions.
